Haiti: A Troubled People

Haitian culture is a mixed native Indians, African slaves, and French and Spaniard settlers. After Haiti gained its independence there was much political and economical turmoil. When Haitian immigrated to the United States, many became doctors, teachers, social workers, and professionals. Although there was Haitian success stories there are more stories of failure and hopelessness because of the worry of being deported and the racism that they encounter. Through the field of social work would like to help these people get established in this country and as a Christian I would love to give them hope.

Haiti is the oldest black republic in the world, independent since 1804. It is located in the West Indies on the western side of the Island of Hispaniola, The eastern two-thirds of the island is the Dominican Republic. In 1992, Haiti's population was about 6.5 million people, with about 29 percent in urban centers and 71 percent living in rural areas. The birth rate is 44.6 per 1000 people and each woman has about six children. Life expectancy is 53 years for males and 55 years for females.

Most of the Haitian people are of African descent, there is a smaller mulatto percentage, and so of European and African descent. Creole is the main language spoken, and ten percent speak French. Sadly only 23 percent of the people can read. Although voodoo is practiced by most people, strangely 80 percent is catholic and 10 percent is protestant.

Before Haiti was called Haiti, it was called Quisqueya by its original inhabitants the Arawaks, the Tainos, and Caraibes. These Indians were taken advantage of by Christopher Columbus, He took their Gold, and renamed the island Hispanola, because Spain was financing his explorations. The Indian pop...

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